Sudan, China Wind up Political ConsultationsSudan and China ended on Sunday a new round of political consultations between the foreign ministries on bilateral ties and regional issues of common interest.The two-day consultations were presided over by Ali Youssif, director of the Asia Department of Sudan's Foreign Ministry and Liu Guozeng, director of the West Asia and North Africa Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The meeting dealt with the various aspects of bilateral ties and the latest regional and international developments, Youssif said. On the economic, trade and investment exchanges, the Sudanese side expressed hope for expanded Chinese cooperation in the oil and petro-chemical industries, he added. The two sides underscored the importance of launching a gas- powered electricity station in Al-Jili, the Sudanese official said, adding that the two sides were looking forward to a meeting of the joint ministerial committee in Beijing next February. They agreed to exchange visits of senior officials of both countries to improve coordination of positions on international and regional issues of common concern, Youssif said. During the two-day consultations, the Chinese side offered an official invitation to Sudanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Abdul-Rahman Numeiri to visit China in April, he added. Meanwhile, the two sides agreed to follow up the results of the Sino-African Forum and enhance the Sino-African relations, Youssif pointed out. The meeting also discussed the developments of the Middle East peace process and highlighted the necessity of implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions 242 and 238 and restoration of legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. The Sudanese official noted that the two sides agreed to work towards the establishment of a new world political and economic order on the basis of multi-polarization, equality, and justice among all countries as well as respect for the principle of non- interference in the internal affairs of others. The developing countries must join forces to ward off the threats of globalization and develop cooperation among themselves, the meeting underscored. Meanwhile, the chief of the Chinese delegation said the meeting was part of political consultations on bilateral ties and regional and international issues of common concern. There is a time-honored trust between the leaders of both countries, Liu said, pointing out that China and Sudan need to enhance consultation, especially on the ministerial level, under the new world circumstances. The two countries need to develop their friendly relations and cooperation and coordinate their positions on international affairs with a view to serving the common benefits of the developing countries, Liu pointed out. The Chinese official said that he met with both Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismail and Numeiri and exchanged with them views on issues of common concern. Liu also visited a project launched by the Chinese National Petroleum Corporation in Sudan. Terming the project as successful, Liu said that it would benefit both sides and was a symbol of cooperation and friendship between China and Sudan. The Chinese official expressed his country's and Sudan's common desire to develop cooperation in the oil project. |
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